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Betty Gene Wheeler

The memorial service for Betty Stark was held Jan. 11, 2013, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena, with Pastor Marli Danielson presiding.

Betty, 84, died Jan. 6, 2013, at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena.

Betty Gene Wheeler was born to George and Elizabeth "Betty" (Awruy) Wheeler on March 28, 1928, in Wadena. She could recall that as a child, her log home was built in southeast Wadena while she lived across the street. It was in that log home that Betty lived the rest of her life.

She graduated with the Wadena High School Class of 1946. Also, she will be remembered in conjunction with Krause Drug, where she worked for 48 years as the bookkeeper and friendly sales lady. It didn't matter what you needed or wanted. Betty knew where to find the perfume, gift or medication you asked for. She was a self-taught pharmacy lab technician before there ever was such a title. If it was in the store, Betty had a hand in organizing its whereabouts or getting it to whomever needed it. She retired in 1996.

Betty married Richard "Bumps" Stark on April 5, 1972, and they lived in Betty's childhood home. They loved to travel into Canada, where many days were spent in a fishing boat. They also went deer hunting together.

Betty enjoyed nature, feeding birds, walking and the many, many days at her and Richard's lake place on the Ottertail River. It was there that they entertained their treasured friends with boat rides, food and interesting conversation.

Her happy disposition was shared with everyone - especially with children. Betty was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, where she proudly stated she had been attending since the age of 5.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 1983, and her parents, George and Elizabeth. She is survived by friends, church members and a community that loved her.

Honorary pallbearers were her fellow co-workers at Krause Drug and the members and friends of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena.